Late barrage of runs lifts Pats

This time, the Somerset Patriots were on the other side of bullpen struggles.

After losing an early three-run lead Friday night, the Patriots snapped a tie in decisive fashion — combining to score nine runs in the seventh and eighth inning to defeat the Road Warriors 12-4 at TD Bank Ballpark.

Jeff Nettles went 4-for-5 with two singles, a double, a home run and five RBIs.

With the score tied 3-3, Wayne Lydon, who had three hits, led off the bottom of the seventh with a single against Kyle Aselton.

Brian McCullough, who remains property of the Patriots after being reassigned to the Road Warriors out of spring training, relieved Asselton with Lydon on third base and one out.

Norris Hopper delivered the go-ahead sacrifice fly before Nettles’ two-run double broke the game open. Pressley added a RBI in the seventh, and Nettles keyed a five-run rally in the eighth with a two-run homer.

Starter Jason Cromer allowed three runs in 5 2/3 innings but Ben Grezlovski picked up the win in relief.

About Ryan Dunleavy

Ryan Dunleavy has covered Rutgers athletics for more than a decade, dating back to his days as a student at his alma mater. He became New Jersey Press Media’s Rutgers women’s basketball beat writer in 2009 and Rutgers football beat writer in 2013. Since joining the staff in 2004, the Morris County native also has covered the NFL, MLB, NBA, the Somerset Patriots and high school sports.

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Your place for in-depth coverage of the Somerset Patriots and the minor-league baseball world

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Mike AshmoreA lifelong resident of the Three Bridges section of Readington, Mike Ashmore is a 2001 graduate of Hunterdon Central Regional High School who began his career covering professional sports two years later. Since then, he's covered countless other teams and events ranging from the Stanley Cup Final to the UFC as a freelancer working in the area. Mike will add to his over 450 games of experience covering the Somerset Patriots by finishing out the season as MyCentralJersey.com's beat writer for the team.E-mail Mike

Ryan DunleavyRyan Dunleavy has covered Rutgers athletics for more than a decade, dating back to his days as a student at his alma mater. He became New Jersey Press Media’s Rutgers women’s basketball beat writer in 2009 and Rutgers football beat writer in 2013. Since joining the staff in 2004, the Morris County native also has covered the NFL, MLB, NBA, the Somerset Patriots and high school sports.E-mail Ryan